Back to the Index

Back to the Gosho

Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

BACKGROUND:

This letter was written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279. Nichiren Daishonin was then fifty-eight. Because Lord Ema placed such trust in Kingo, he was the object of bitter jealousy among his fellow samurai. Finally, the situation came to a head and he was ambushed by his enemies. He informed the Daishonin about the attack and received this letter in reply.

The Daishonin tells Kingo that he survived because of the good fortune created by his faith in the Lotus Sutra. Although Kingo's watchfulness and physical prowess played their part, without the protection of the Buddhist gods, he could never have won the fight. Thus the Daishonin teaches him that faith must always come first -- before any other tactics or strategy.

Designed by Will Kallander